GibbsCAM 2027 Copilot Explains Current Limits of AI in CNC Programming
GibbsCAM's latest Copilot discussion separates today's help and documentation functions from future job-aware AI. The distinction matters for CAM users and process approval.
Technology & Innovation
New machining processes and manufacturing technologies.
Hexagon Inspire 2026.1 Targets CNC Inspection Bottlenecks
Hexagon’s latest Inspire update changes how 3D scan data is preserved, processed and remeasured. Here is what machine shops should evaluate before upgrading.
Seco MS3501 Targets Milling in High-Heat Materials
Seco introduced its MS3501 milling grade on October 27, 2026 for heat-resistant and adhesive workpiece materials. The range is aimed at applications in ISO P, M and S groups, including high-alloy steel, stainless steel and nickel-based superalloys. T
GBS Configurable Profilometers Target Different Surface Measurement Scales
GBS offers modular white-light interferometry systems with different stages and sensors; the critical question is whether optical and movement ranges suit the inspected surface.
LK Revises L100NX Scanner Accuracy Figures—What the Numbers Mean
LK's October L100NX improvement changes published form error, point dispersion and dimensional accuracy; these separate metrics should not be conflated.
Hexagon HYPERSCAN SR Moves Tracked Scanning Closer to the Workpiece
HYPERSCAN SR is a wireless optical tracking scanner designed for shop-floor and field use; dynamic tracking can aid setup flexibility without replacing measurement qualification.
Seco Stabilizer End Mills Make a 20% Power-Demand Claim for Aluminum
Seco’s ST4531, ST4521 and ST4321 end mills target lower cutting forces in aluminum. The 20% claim is manufacturer-reported, and the test conditions matter.
Quantum X FaroArm Puts Scanning and Probing in the Same Automotive Workflow
FARO's Quantum X measurement arm and FAROBlu laser probe target difficult finishes; faster point capture does not necessarily mean faster quality decisions.
KUKA Moves AI Vision Into Robot Control With iiQKA.AI Vision
KUKA’s iiQKA.AI Vision brings 2D/3D recognition and grip-point calculation into its robot-control workflow. What the integration could—and could not—change for CNC machine tending.
Mahr MarSurf CNC Modular Evo Automates Routine Surface Measurement
Mahr's MarSurf CNC modular Evo addresses repeatable surface inspection tasks, but selecting roughness metrics and fixturing remains essential.
KITOV Prime Links CAD-Based Robot Motion to Automated Surface Inspection
KITOV Prime combines robot positioning, multiple illumination angles and defect recognition; machining suppliers need demonstrated detection accuracy and false-reject rates.
Ajile DepthScan Offers a Modular Route From CMM Lab to Inline 3D Inspection
Ajile's configurable DepthScan platform spans laboratory and robot-based inspection, but 100% inspection depends on part coverage and cycle-time validation.
Fives Mirror Milling Changes How Aerospace Panels Are Supported and Cut
Fives presents scan-led mirror milling as an alternative to chemical milling on selected panels, with savings dependent on actual geometry and process baselines.
Seco Adds TP3502 CVD Grade for Interrupted Steel Turning
Seco has added TP3502 to its Duratomic range of carbide turning grades, targeting ISO P steel operations in which cutting conditions change during a pass. The September 29, 2026 release positions the CVD-coated insert grade for variable material hard
Renishaw Equator-X Recognition Highlights Flexible Shop-Floor Gauging
The Equator-X won a 2026 AMB award and combines absolute with comparative gauging modes; correct mode selection matters more than the award.
SHINING 3D Adds Wireless Scanning and Photogrammetry to Portable Metrology
FreeScan Combo+ Wireless and the wider SHINING 3D update aim to simplify large-part scanning, but volumetric accuracy and workflow matter more than wireless connectivity.
DMG MORI probeSET Targets a Hidden Weak Point in Unattended CNC Probing
DMG MORI probeSET automates a probe calibration routine, but calibration does not replace verification of machine geometry, reference artifacts or process stability.
FARO CAM2 Expands Casting Inspection Before the First Machining Cut
FARO CAM2 connects handheld scanning and casting alignment to earlier machining-readiness decisions, with datum strategy the key manufacturing concern.
Kennametal Uses Additively Made Carbide for Custom Cutting Tools
Kennametal introduced KAF82 on September 15, 2026, describing it as an additively manufactured tungsten-carbide grade for custom metal-cutting tools. The development is aimed particularly at hole-finishing applications that can benefit from complex i
Mazak QRX-50MSY Combines Two Spindles with Y-Axis Turning
Mazak presented its QRX-50MSY turning centre at IMTS 2026 as a compact route to multi-operation production of small, complex components. The September 14 launch information describes a machine with two turning spindles, milling capability and Y-axis
Renishaw PH20 PLUS Adds 107 mm of Reach—But Retrofit Details Matter
Renishaw's PH20 PLUS extends five-axis CMM probe reach by 107 mm. New PE20 modules, TP20 adapter support and specific UCC T5 requirements define the upgrade.
ZEISS Virtual Clamping Reduces Fixture Dependence for Flexible Parts
ZEISS combines its Virtual Clamping app and Guided Holding Kit to inspect parts with less application-specific fixturing, but drawing datum conditions remain central.
Hexagon ENSPEC Offers a New Route to In-House CMM Inspection
Hexagon's ENSPEC bridge CMM targets EMEA manufacturers moving inspection in-house; total measurement capability depends on software, staff and environment as well as machine size.
Hexagon OPTIV S Signals a Phased Move Toward AI-Assisted Optical Measurement
OPTIV S combines optical and selected tactile measurement methods while Hexagon introduces AI-assisted functions over time; available and planned capabilities must be distinguished.
EinScan Trak Combines Tracked Large-Part Scanning With Handheld Detail Capture
SHINING 3D's EinScan Trak mixes optical tracking and detachable handheld scanning; selection depends on registration and working-volume requirements.
Hexagon METRICAL Automates CMM Loading and Inspection Queues
Hexagon announced METRICAL in September 2026 as a system for automating part queuing, loading and unloading around coordinate measuring machines. The target is a familiar bottleneck in precision manufacturing: an expensive measurement machine may be
WENZEL Adds PMS Multisensor Systems for Mixed Optical and Tactile Inspection
WENZEL's PMS range combines optical and tactile measurement, offering flexibility across component types while requiring cross-sensor calibration and method selection.
MetraSCAN BLACK2 Brings Three Inspection Modes Into One Portable System
FARO CREAFORM combines optical tracking, stand-alone scanning and probing in MetraSCAN BLACK2; its acquisition speed must still be evaluated against complete inspection tasks.
Overview Uses Synthetic Defect Images to Tackle a Manufacturing AI Data Problem
Overview's Auto-Defect Creator Studio generates training examples for inspection models, but synthetic images need validation against real production failures.
IDS Rugged GigE Cameras Address the Hardware Side of Industrial Vision
IDS's industrial GigE camera update targets demanding automation environments, but machine vision reliability depends on optics, lighting, timing and integration.
LK CAMIO 2026 Adds REVO Five-Axis Scanning to Mixed CMM Environments
CAMIO 2026 integrates Renishaw REVO inspection methods using I++/DME, providing a route toward consistent programs across compatible machines.
Metrolog V25 and 3DCS Add Guided Workflows to Measurement and Variation Analysis
Metrolog V25 and 3DCS connect CMM programming and variation simulation, with AI helpers focused on workflow guidance rather than automatic engineering judgment.
Fraunhofer Tests Digital Holography as a New CMM Measurement Sensor
Integrating digital holography into a coordinate measuring machine broadens optical surface measurement possibilities but needs feature-level uncertainty validation.
API’s Optical CMM Brings 9D LADAR Into Automated Production Inspection
API's Optical CMM couples automated motion with a non-contact LADAR sensor. Its point-capture speed is a supplier specification, not proof of faster accepted-part inspection.
